Vivitrol Used in Treatment - Drug and Alcohol Treatment Centers - Barnstable, MA.

Vivitrol is a drug used to prevent drug or alcohol abuse and relapse, and is administered specifically for alcohol and opioid drugs such as heroin and prescription medications. Vivitrol is an extended release version of the med Naltrexone, which one can get via a monthly injection. It is not addictive, and is what is called an antagonist. When someone injects Vivitrol, it cuts off the receptors that would usually be triggered by opioids or alcohol, so when someone takes a drink of alcohol or takes opioids they basically can't get high or drunk.

There are certain precautions that should be be taken before someone begins treatment with Vivitrol. First off, a person who plans to start Vivitrol needs to have been off of opioids for a minimum of 7-10 days. This is including clients who are involved in opioid maintenance therapy and are being given drugs like Methadone or Buprenorphine. For a heroin abuser or someone who has been on Methadone for a long time, abrupt cessation is very difficult, but withdrawal is something they will have to go through for at least seven days in order to start Vivitrol.

These meds must be used in conjunction with an addiction treatment program in Barnstable which also includes medical supervision, individual therapy, and group therapy. Talk to your therapist or doctor about how pharmacological tools can help you build and maintain the sober life you want.

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